Saudi Arabia Launches Its First Astronaut Programme

Saudi Arabia has launched its astronaut programme and plans to send its first mission to space in 2023, the  Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The programme aims to train Saudi personnel to participate in international partnerships in future space missions and undertake short- and long-distance space travel. The programme is part of Saudi Arabia's 2030 goals.

The Saudi Arabian astronaut programme includes a set of measures to launch two of the kingdom's astronauts to the ISS in 2023. The crew will include a man and a woman, who will automatically become the kingdom's first ever female astronaut.

In the coming months, Saudi Arabia intends to launch its National Space Strategy, which will reveal future space programmes and initiatives.